Leicestershire’s cricketers produced a brilliant all-round performance to down Lancashire on Friday, with Tom Scriven particularly excellent inspirational. The game at Old Trafford was rife with near misses and game changing plays. This enthusiasm helped Leicestershire to create an impressive first innings lead.
Leicestershire’s openers made a dangerous start on an unpredictable pitch, aided by fortune when Sam Budinger survived what appeared to be a clear early dismissal. Budinger took his chance after he was dropped on nought. He played with equal aplomb to Saqib Mahmood’s eleventh delivery, deftly glancing it to the fine leg boundary, the ball racing past opening pair Michael Jones and Keaton Jennings, stationed at first and second slip. This abrupt moment would be the catalyst for an aggressive approach from the Leicestershire batsmen.
After a difficult start Lancashire were restricted to 92 runs off 24 overs. Their hearts sunk lower still when Matty Hurst was caught lbw by Scriven, notching up a good score of 46 runs. Hurst’s departure soon proved a decisive moment for Leicestershire, as they started to get on top of the match. Things got even worse for Lancashire as Luke Wells was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the left elbow by a ball from Ben Mike. He was just on nine runs at that point. This unfortunate incident further disrupted their batting lineup.
Compounding Lancashire’s troubles, Tom Hartley was run out for 11 after miscommunication with George Balderson. The dual impact of early wickets and injuries put the home side in a tough spot. Leics openers scored quickly and kept the scoreboard ticking at an impressive rate. This aggressive style, so contrary to the conservative approach of their opponents, came as a surprise.
The second fixture’s evening session was all about Scriven, who starred by claiming three important wickets in a whirlwind stanza. He trapped Wells in front for 29, his third lbw of the day. Only two balls later, he bowled Balderson out for a half century (51). This latest dismissal came just a month after Balderson celebrated his 50th birthday. Scriven’s unremitting assault resumed as he had Anderson Phillip fending for just three runs.
In spite of the strain created by Leicestershire’s bowlers Lancashire’s Ryan Harris unfurled some eye-catching strokes through the covers on Leicestershire’s faster men. Besides Curtis, Jones was made a victim by Scriven. The last example shared on Twitter showed the bowler pitching a ball that nipped back violently, causing an lbw dismissal. This proved to be the peak of Scriven’s purple patch, as he surpassed all expectations to take his first ever five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
Leicestershire are now a third of the way to the promised land, having crafted a wonderful platform for a big first-innings lead. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on how they capitalize on this momentum and whether Lancashire can regroup to mount a challenge against their formidable opponents.
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